NGATEA NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4527, 14 February 1923, Page 2

NGATEA NEWS.

THE SHOW. Final arrangements in connection witii the annual show have now been made, and nothing except the weather has been left to chance. The ground, preparation of which was commenced last spi’jng, has been receiving special attention. The grass has' recently been mowed and the ground rolled, and a working bee has been doing good work fop the last, few days fixing up the ring, etc. Paddocks will be available for parking motors and other vehicles at a moderate charge. There will be luncheon and refreshment booths and side-shows. In the evening it is proposed to entertain the judges, etc., in the schoolroom. The entries’ so far have been satisfactory, particularly the horse events, and as post entries will oe accepted many more are expected. Altogether indications point to a very successful show and an enjoyable day’s outing for all. FACTORY OUTPUT. Approximately 200 tons of butter were sent to the cool stores from the Ngatea factory during the month of January. AH of this was superfine, the average grade being 93.74 points. Diving a corresponding period last year the make was 50 tons less. It is expected that the supply of cream will now fall off considerably, although feed is plentiful. The electrical machines that were recently installed are doing good work. A pleasing feature withi regard to the power lias been the constant supply of current, the power only being cut off for a few minutes' on one occasion. A butter-box nailing machine, similar to those in use at the Dairy Company’s box factory at Frankton Junction, is being installed. This ma.chine will nail’6oo boxes a day. HALL COMMITTEE. A meeting of the Hail Committee was' lield on Monday evening. Present : Messrs G. T. Davidson (chairman) R. Jamieson, D. Vincent,. W. JClare, S. Phillips, and C. Mellor (secretary). Mr Clare reported that since the last meeting the picture operating box had been lined. Several firms wrote quoting prices for fire extinguishers,, and it was left to Mr Clare to obtain two extinguish'ers. Mr Jamieson suggested that a dozen or so fire buckets should be obtained and hung about the building. Messrs Bryan and Walker wrote asking for an alteration of date for their regular visit, and also asked what, rental would be required for the use of one office. The alteration of date was approved, as it would hot interfere with the high school classes, but the committee could not see its way clear to let the firm have the permanent use of one room. A letter was received from the secretary of the A. and P. show asking for the use of- the hall on February 15 (show night). i . The secretary explained that the picture proprietor had engaged the hall for that date, and that he did not know at that time that it was show day, nor did he know that the show committee desired the hall on the night of the show, as they had not used it on previous show nights. Considerable discussion ensued, members expressing the opinion that it. was a pity that this regrettable, incident had* cropped up, but that they must treat it as a business proposition. The picture proprietor had applied first, had gone to the expense of hiring a special attraction fjor that evening, and had promised to donate the profit to the hall committee to meet the cost of installing electric light 'in the hall- It was suggested tli at the show committee shquld try to come to some agreement with the picture proprietor. Members were unanimous in thinking tliat the secretary had not wilfully let the hall for show night, as he did not know the date of the show at the time. LIGHTING. The secretary explained that for five lights in tlie body of the hall, one in each dressing room, one in the porch, one outside, and six on the stage, the cost to instal would be £23 10s. It was decided, on the motion of Mr Jamieson, seconded by Mr Vincent, that the installation be proceeded with on the terms of the Power Board’s agreement, and that tlie matter be left .in the hands of the secreary. Tlie accounts were deferred until arrangements in connection with the banking account, were completed. SUGGESTED FIRE BRIGADE. A well attended meeting to discuss forming a fire brigade in Ngatea was held on Saturday evening. Mr H. AShaw, the convener, explained thatthe recent fire had demonstrated the necessity of forming a volunteer fire brigade. Ngatea was growing rapidly, and most of the houses were of wood and a fire brigade might be the means of saving property and possibly life. He had written to the superintendent of the Auckland Fire Brigade who had answered stating that as he did not know the district he could not advise what machinery was necessary, but suggested writing tc Captain Watts, the supervisory superintendent of volunteer fire brigades of New Zealand.

As no more could be done at this initii'l stage Messrs Dent, Harvey, and Shaw were appointed a committee to obtain all information possible and report at a later meeting. Those present were unanimously of the opinion that, a fire brigade was necessary.